Methods of removing aerosols from the atmosphere

ABSTRACT

An antenna is disclosed to efficiently ionize the atmosphere for the purpose of reducing the aerosol counts, and therefore the number of poluted particles in suspension in the atmosphere, by deposition to ground. The antenna includes peripheral nodes and a central node. Each of the peripheral nodes is connected to adjacent peripheral nodes through peripheral spokes. The peripheral nodes are also connected to the central node through radial spokes. Electric power is applied to the peripheral spokes and the radial spokes causing the antenna to charge the atmosphere through the emission of ions. The antenna minimizes an attenuation factor that reduces ionization efficiency and reduces the land requirements for its installation.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/719,565, entitled “Ionization Antenna”, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to methods of removing aerosolsor particulates, such as suspension of polluted aerosols, from theatmosphere. More particularly, the invention relates to methods forelectrifying the atmosphere with ion emissions by corona effect toremove unwanted aerosols or particulates by deposing these aerosols toground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the late 1950's Dr. Bernard Vonnegut, after having invented thesilver-iodide flare in 1948 that was used for cloud seeding, and stillis, almost 60 years later, pioneered ionization technology by conductingexperiments that produced unipolar corona effect ions using a directcurrent power supply feeding high voltage to a long, thin wireelectrically isolated from ground. He was able to detect ions as far as10 miles away from his ionization station⁽¹⁾. Vonnegut was attempting todiscover what artificial ionization's effect would be on weathermodification. Lacking modem instrumentation, he was unable to measuresignificant effects

The present invention is based, in part, on recent atmospheric physicsresearch that has established that natural ions are a catalyst that willallow more particles to be generated via by lowering nucleation barriersand electrically charging new or existing particles in suspension in theatmosphere (aerosols, causing them to grow more aggressively. The largermass of the growing aerosols increases their vertical velocity due togravitational pull, ultimately depositing these aerosols to ground andthus removing them from the atmosphere.

Based on recent physics research and on Vonnegut's efforts, an attemptwas made to see if artificially generated, direct current, corona effect(CE), ionization would act in much the same way as cosmic rayionization, with some differences that might make unipolar CE ions moreeffective. Experiments show that use of the ionization station of thepresent invention significantly reduces the atmospheric aerosol counts.

Recent Ion-Aerosol Research

Several prominent atmospheric physicists in Europe and in the UnitedStates have published a number of papers over the last 10 years thatestablish a link between naturally occurring ionization and aerosolnucleation and growth.

Researchers started getting reliable satellite imagery of the Earth'ssurface about a decade ago. This imagery lead a Swedish research team tostudy the intensity of the flux of galactic cosmic rays (GCR) comparingit to images of Earth's cloud cover and they positively correlated GCRflux intensity to the Earth's cloud cover⁽²⁾. Later British and Americanscientists refined that correlation specifically to low cloudcover^((3,4)).

Natural atmospheric ionization is ubiquitous. Ion pairs are continuallyproduced in the atmosphere by radiolysis of air molecules, which ismainly caused by Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR), radon isotopes andterrestrial gamma radiation. The ions produced are rarely single speciesbut clusters of water molecules around a central ion⁽⁵⁾.

The generation or nucleation process is described as the process wherebytwo or more molecules, one of them being water, merge to form a particlein suspension, or aerosol. It is now evident that cosmic ray ionizationis linked to lowering nucleation barriers, thus forming ultrafineaerosols, some of which can become Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN)⁽³⁾.

Nucleation is theoretically accomplished through four mechanisms:

-   -   1. Binary Nucleation: The water molecule reacts with any other        molecule, such as ammonium, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, etc.    -   2. Ternary Nucleation: The water molecule reacts with two other        molecules, which can be organic or inorganic    -   3. Ion Induced Nucleation: The water molecule reacts with        another organic or inorganic molecule plus an ion    -   4. Ion Mediated Nucleation: The water molecule reacts with two        or more electrically charged organic or inorganic molecules.        This is called “mediated” because the ions have previously        electrically charged the nucleating molecules.

The two primary nucleation mechanisms that have been used to explain theobserved nucleation events occurring in Earth's atmosphere are ternarynucleation and, preferentially, ion mediated nucleation⁽⁶⁾.

Aerosols, once formed, grow through one or more of several processes:

-   -   1. Coagulation—The particle grows by attachment of molecules        (ligands) onto the aerosol by agglomeration.    -   2. Condensation—Water molecules can condense on an aerosol,        changing phase from gaseous to liquid and releasing latent heat.        The aerosol grows as it acquires water molecules, adding to its        diameter and mass. The charged aerosols are more effective in        inducing condensation than uncharged ones because polar        molecules have an enhanced condensation rate. Calculations show        that this growth rate for charged particles is greater by a        factor of at least 2 than it is for uncharged particles, and        since a 5 nanometer (nm=1×10⁻⁹ meter) particle's coagulation        loss rate is 1 1/20^(th) that of a 1 nm particle, it is an        important factor in determining the early survival rate of        aerosol⁽³⁾.    -   3. Scavenging: The process whereby a cloud droplet collects an        aerosol. If the aerosol is charged, the charge transfers to the        droplet. The charged droplet will be further attracted to        charged aerosols.    -   4. Electroscavenging: When a cloud droplet reaches the clear        air—cloud boundary it often evaporates, leaving behind all its        charge to the nucleus as well as coatings of sulfate, pollutants        and organic compounds that the droplet absorbed while in the        cloud. Charged evaporation nuclei enhance collection by droplets        because of their coatings and because they create an image        charge on the droplet. Even if the droplet is charged with the        same polarity as the nucleus, the image charge will greatly        enhance the possibility of attachment. Although there is a        long-range repulsion between charges of the same sign, the flow        carries particles in the 0.1 μm to 1 μm range against that        repulsion close to a cloud droplet, so that the short range        attractive force due to the attraction between the charge of the        particle and the image charge it induces in the droplet ensures        particle collection⁽⁷⁾.    -   5. Collision—Coalescence: This mechanism applies to water        droplets (very large aerosols) as they fall to ground, colliding        with other droplets. Larger drops fall faster than smaller        drops, so they sometimes collide. However, the air pressure of        the larger, faster falling drop will, even if it is in a        collision course with a smaller drop, may make the smaller drop        go around the larger one and prevent collision. This is the same        aerodynamic principle that causes most insects to avoid        collision with an oncoming car, because the elevated air        pressure surrounding the car will propel the insect away from        the car. The collision efficiency of charged aerosol-droplet is        increased by thirty-fold for aerosol carrying large (>50)        elementary charges⁽⁷⁾. It is possible that charged droplets        collide with larger falling droplets by inducing the same type        of image charge over and over again until a raindrop is formed,        given a sufficiently large elementary charge.

Recent work by Yu and Turco [2000] demonstrates that charged molecularclusters, condensing around natural air ions, can grow significantlyfaster than corresponding neutral clusters and can thus preferentiallyachieve stable, observable sizes⁽⁸⁾. Stable charged molecular clustersresulting from water vapor condensation and coagulation growth cansurvive long after nucleation. Simulations reveal that a 25% increase inionizing rate leads to a 7-9% increase in concentrations of 3 and 10 nmparticles 8 hours after nucleation⁽⁹⁾.

Three specific GCR ionization processes are now theoreticallyestablished: 1) increases in the rates of aerosol coagulation, 2)lowered aerosol nucleation barriers, and 3) removal of particles bywater droplets in clouds⁽⁹⁾. GCR ionization lowers nucleation barriers,allowing an ion to attach to small water molecule clusters, forming a“small ion” or the formation of more aerosols and promoting earlycharged particle growth into the Aitken range. There is a substantiallyhigh probability that some of the charged particles grow to the 100 nmrange and beyond to become CCN. There is also evidence that electricallycharged aerosols are more efficiently scavenged by cloud droplets, someof which evaporate producing evaporation aerosols, which are veryeffective ice formation nuclei.

In general terms, some ions will form aerosols by growing to “smallions” and then by coagulation and condensation, others will chargeexisting aerosols that will, again, grow by condensation and coagulationto become CCN and beyond. Still others will charge pollution aerosolsand this will clean the atmosphere through scavenging⁽⁹⁾.

The conclusion is that natural ionization:

-   -   a. lowers nucleation barriers, generating a larger supply of        fresh aerosols    -   b. produces more aggressive aerosol growth through one or more        of the growth mechanisms as discussed, and,    -   c. helps clean the atmosphere by increasing the occurrence rate        of scavenging.

While it is true that the production of GCR ions is asymmetrical, it isalso true that ion recombination (neutralization of charge due toattachment of ions of opposite polarity) produces a significant loss ofelectrical charge. Ionization from radioactive sources (radon or gammaray) is almost symmetrical and, therefore, most of the charge induced bythis type of ionization is lost by ion recombination.

On the other hand, CE ionization is unipolar, either positive ornegative, but not both. Therefore, CE ions will repulse each other andnot recombine. That means that every ion broadcast into the atmosphereby CE will be available to either nucleate and form an aerosol or elseattach to an existing aerosol, electrically charging that aerosol.

Additionally, CE ions have been deemed to be hygroscopic⁽¹⁰⁾ which wouldfurther contribute to induce aggressive condensation in electricallycharged aerosols.

Accordingly, corona effect ionization will produce three distinctmechanisms for removing aerosols from the atmosphere by depositing themto ground:

Gravitation: Increased nucleation and aggressive growth aerosols throughcoagulation and condensation, which will cause aerosol deposition toground by the increased gravitational pull caused by the aerosol'sincrease in mass,

-   -   1. Scavenging: This mechanism will deposit pollution aerosols to        ground by attachment to water droplets, and,    -   2. Electrical Attraction/Repulsion: Aerosols with a positive        electric charge will deposit due to electrical attraction of the        ground, which is negatively charged. The opposite is also true:        if the aerosol's electrical charge is negative, it will be        repelled by the ground's negative charge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods for increasing the ionizationlevels in the atmosphere to remove unwanted aerosols or particulatessuch as suspended pollutants. The methods utilize an ionization stationhaving a direct current, high voltage power supply, a thin wire antennahaving an inner portion in electrical communication with an outerperipheral portion for efficient and optimal atmospheric ionization, anda monitoring and control system. The configuration of the antenna yieldsan attenuation factor considerably less than the ones in a conventionalsingle straight line, “L” or “T” shaped antennas, thus increasingefficiency of ion emissions from the antenna. In addition, the morecompact shape of the antenna minimizes the area required foreffectiveness.

The antenna of the present invention enhances the ability to broadcastions into the atmosphere. The antenna for broadcasting or releasing ionsinto the atmosphere comprises a central node coupled to a number ofperipheral nodes by a conductive element such as a wire or cable. Ateach peripheral node, the conductive element couples that peripheralnode to the central node in a radial fashion. The conductive element isalso coupled to adjacent peripheral nodes forming conductive peripheralspokes. The antenna further includes a support structure to support thecentral node and each peripheral node. All nodes of the antenna areelectrically isolated from the support structure of the antenna so thatthe conductive element conducts electricity. The support structure ofthe antenna includes vertical peripheral members to support theperipheral nodes of the antenna and a vertical central member to supportthe central node. The shape of the antenna is similar to an invertedcone. Direct current electric power is applied to the conductive elementto release a flow of ions into the atmosphere.

The present invention beneficially reduces the size of the antenna and,consequently, the amount of land required for such an antenna. Thereduced size of the antenna also simplifies the installation andmaintenance of the antenna in the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for efficiently and optimallyelectrifying and ionizing the atmosphere;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary antenna suitable forpracticing the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows flight plan Alpha;

FIG. 4 shows flight plan Bravo;

FIG. 5 illustrates the aerosol counts with zero voltage on an Alphaflight plan;

FIG. 6 illustrates the aerosol counts with zero voltage on an Charlieflight plan;

FIG. 7 illustrates the aerosol counts with negative voltage on an Alphaflight plan;

FIG. 8 illustrates the aerosol counts with positive voltage on an Alphaflight plan;

FIG. 9 illustrates the aerosol counts with positive voltage on an Bravoflight plan;

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B illustrates the normalized aerosol counts withzero voltage on an Alpha flight plan; and

FIG. 11 illustrates the normalized aerosol counts with zero, positiveand negative voltage on an Alpha flight plan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention concerns methods and systems for reducing thenumber of aerosols by modifying an ionization volume in the atmosphere.An antenna having a center portion electrically coupled to an outerperipheral portion framed around the center portion is employed toincrease or decrease the ionization volume in the atmosphere. Theantenna minimizes the attenuation which reduces ionization efficiency asa voltage is applied to the antenna, and therefore, the antennaefficiently and optimally modifies the ionization volume in theatmosphere. The antenna further reduces the amount of land required toconstruct such an antenna.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of a system for electrifying andionizing the atmosphere in accordance with the present invention. Thesystem 100 includes an antenna 110, a power supply 130, and a controlunit 140. The system 100 further includes meteorological data 120providing weather data. The antenna 110 is exposed to the atmosphere 150to modify a volume of charge in the atmosphere 150. System 100 furtherincludes a weather station providing meteorological data 120 such asrelative humidity to an operator 121.

The power source 130 provides electric power to the antenna 110. Thepower source 130 is coupled to the antenna 110 to create a flow ofcurrent through the conductive elements of the antenna 110. In thismanner, when an electrical current flows through the conductive elementsthe antenna 110 emits a stream of charges into the atmosphere 150 tocreate an electric field and, in turn, positively or negatively chargethe atmosphere. The electric power supplied to the antenna 110 by thepower source 130 is DC (direct current) with voltages ranging from about−500 KV (kilovolts) to about +500 KV (kilovolts) and current rangingfrom between about 0 to about 5 A (Amperes). One suitable low-rangevoltage value and current value for operating the antenna 110 is about70 KV and 2 mA. The structure of the antenna 110 will be described belowin more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, meteorological data 120 provides weather dataobtained from weather stations operational in the vicinity of the system100 as well as from weather satellites. In this manner, themeteorological data 120 can provide an indicator of current atmosphericconditions and an indicator of predicted future atmospheric conditions.As such, use of the meteorological data 120 helps facilitate an increaseor decrease in the emission of ions from the antenna 110 into theatmosphere 150 to accomplish the desired reduction in aerosols.Furthermore, the operator 121 provides input to the control unit 140 tocontrol the power source 130, and, hence an ion volume charge in theatmosphere 150. The control unit 140 controls the power source 130 basedon a signal from the system operator 121, which is the result of adecision made based on analysis of the meteorological data 120, by theoperator 121 to ionize the atmosphere 150 to the desired level.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary antenna of the presentinvention. Antenna 110 has an inverted cone-like shape and the outerperimeter or base of the antenna has a polygon-like shape, in this casehexagonal. The antenna 110 includes a central node, peripheral nodes,radial spokes 241 through 246 and peripheral spokes 231 through 236. Thecentral node is located near the center of a polygon base 220 andincludes a central tower section 210 installed on a central foundationsection 211. The peripheral nodes are located at the vertices of thepolygonal base 220 and include peripheral posts 221 through 226 that areinstalled on peripheral foundations 251 through 256. The central toweris approximately equidistant from all peripheral nodes. The radialspokes 241 through 246 connect the peripheral nodes to the central node.The peripheral spokes 231 through 236 connect each of the peripheralnodes to the adjacent peripheral nodes. The hexagon base 220 is anillustrative embodiment of the present invention and one of skill in theart will appreciate that the shape of the base 220 can be otherpolygons. For example, the polygon base 220 may be a triangle, a square,a rectangle, a pentagon, etc.

There is a central node near the center of the hexagon base 220 thatincludes a central tower section 210. The height of the central towersection 210 varies depending on the number of angles in the polygonbase. As the number of angles in the polygon base 220 increases, theheight of the central tower section 210 decreases. The relationship ofheight of the central tower section 210 to the number of angles in thebase portion is represented below in Table A. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that Table A is provided as merely a reference and thatthe overall total length of the conductive element or wire can varydepending on the area of land available, the size and shape of theantenna and other factors. For example, Table A reflects an overalltotal conductive element length in the area of forty-five hundred feet,but the dimensions in Table A are scalable, up or down, to accommodatean increase or decrease in the overall total length of the conductiveelement. One overall total length of the conductive element suitable forpracticing the illustrative embodiment of the present invention is aboutseventy-five hundred feet. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the overall total length of the conductive element variesbased on terrain topography and the amount of land available to deploythe system and antenna of the present invention.

TABLE A Number of A B C D Area Angles (Feet) (Feet) (Feet) (Feet)(Acres) 3 140 480 831 4,509 16.5 4 130 470 665 4,813 15.8 5 130 460 5414,908 15.1 6 130 450 450 4,919 14.5 7 120 450 390 4,985 14.5 8 120 440337 4,934 13.8 9 120 430 294 4,874 13.2 10 120 430 266 4,917 13.2 11 110420 237 4,816 12.6 12 110 410 212 4,742 12 13 110 410 196 4,775 12 14110 400 178 4,702 11.4 15 100 400 166 4,682 11.4 16 100 390 152 4,60310.9 17 100 380 140 4,527 10.3 18 100 380 132 4,558 10.3 19 100 370 1224,485 9.8 20 90 370 116 4,431 9.8 “A” is the approximate height ofcentral tower section. “B” is approximate distance of radial spokes. “C”is the approximate distance of peripheral spokes. “D” is approximatetotal wire length.

The central tower section 210 can be constructed on a central foundationsection 211, for example approximately 40×40×80 (inches) concrete slab,depending on the terrain and local requirements. The central foundationsection secures the central tower section 210 in a vertical direction.Exemplary fasteners to couple the central tower section 210 to thefoundation section include bolts, screws, various steel bars (with andwithout threads), and other suitable fasteners.

The central tower section 210 may be constructed using commerciallyavailable antenna tower sections, such as freestanding tower sectionsavailable from Rohn Industries, Inc., or other suitable supplier.Typically the central tower section 210 is around 100 feet high, and theheight of the tower section 210 will vary depending on the type ofpolygon base, as shown in Table A above.

The central tower section 210 can include a winch mechanism that canhoist the radial spokes 241 through 246 connected to the tower section210 up to an operating position. The winch mechanism can also lower theradial spokes 241 through 246 to a ground level and allow antennainstallation and maintenance to be performed at the ground level. Any ofvarious mechanisms or instruments that can raise and lower the radialspokes connected to the tower section can be used as the winch and oneof skill in the art will appreciate that the winch mechanism can includemanual and automatic winch mechanisms.

At the vertices of the hexagon base 220, there are peripheral nodes thatinclude peripheral posts 221 through 226. The peripheral posts 221through 226 are mounted on peripheral foundations, for example concreteslabs, or other suitable foundations. The peripheral posts 221 through226 may be implemented using three inch diameter plastic pipes. Theplastic pipes are exemplary for the peripheral posts 221 through 226 andone of skill in the art will appreciate that the posts 221 through 226are not limited to PVC pipes and can be implemented by other material,for example, steel, fiberglass, graphite, or other suitable materialcomposition.

The height of the peripheral posts 221 through 226 is lower than that ofthe central tower section 210, for example about 25 to 30 feet high. Theheight of these peripheral posts 221 through 226 provides sufficientclearance within the antenna 110 to allow equipment, such as farmequipment, to be used within its inner perimeter of the base portion ofthe antenna 110. This configuration of the antenna 110 maximizes theusage rate of the land where the antenna 110 is installed.

The peripheral posts 221 through 226 are configurable to include a winchor pulley system that can lower a portion of the radial spokes 241through 246 and the peripheral spokes 231 through 236 connected to theperipheral posts 221 through 226 to a ground level and allow antennainstallation and maintenance to be performed at the ground level. Thepulley or winch mechanism includes any of various mechanisms orinstruments that can raise and lower a portion of the radial spokes 241through 246 and the peripheral spokes 231 through 236 connected to theperipheral posts 221 through 226.

The peripheral spokes 231 through 236 connect each of the peripheralnodes to the adjacent peripheral nodes and the radial spokes 241 through246 connect the peripheral nodes of the polygon base 220 to the centralnode. The length of the peripheral spokes 231 through 236 and the radialspokes 241 through 246 varies depending on the number of angles in thepolygon base 220. As the number of angles in the polygon base 220increases, the length of the spokes decrease. The approximate length ofthe spokes is specified in Table A above. One of skill in the art willappreciate that although the above description was for peripheral spokeswhich form an outermost peripheral ring, there could be any number ofconcentric rings that could be laid out from the central node out to theperipheral nodes between the fiberglass isolator bars at either end ofthe radial spokes, forming a lattice similar in shape to a spider web.

The peripheral spokes 231 through 236 and central spokes 241 through 246consist of a steel cable or wire, for example solid stainless steel wireor stranded stainless steel wire or cable, which is approximately 20mils or 1/50^(th) inch in diameter. The cable is connected to the powersource 130 and provided with electric power therefrom. The solidstainless steel cable and the stranded stainless steel cable areexemplary wires for implementing the peripheral spokes 231 through 236and the radial spokes 241 through 246. One of skill in the art willappreciate that the peripheral spokes 231 through 236 and the radialspokes 241 through 246 are not limited to the stainless steel cable orwire, solid or stranded, and can be implemented by other types of solidor stranded wire or cable, for example, copper or aluminum. Similarly,one of skill will appreciate that the diameter of the cable is notlimited to a 20 mil dimension and that other dimensions are suitable forpracticing the present invention.

The radial spokes 241 through 246 are connected to the central towersection 210 through insulating fiberglass bars 250G through 250L at thecentral tower section 210. The insulating bars 250G through 250L notonly insulates the radial spokes 241 through 246 from the central towersection 210 but also reduce the potential canceling effect of adjacentcoronas surrounding each of the radial spokes 241 through 246 at thecentral tower section 210. The other end of the radial spokes 241through 246 are connected directly to the peripheral spokes 231 through236, since there is minimal corona canceling effect because the anglesapproach 90 degrees so that the junction acts very much like a “T”junction. The peripheral spokes 231 through 236 are also connected tothe peripheral posts 221 through 226 through insulating fiberglass bars250A through 250F.

There may be an equipment shed 260 that houses the power supply orsupplies and also houses the control unit(s). The power supply feedselectrical power to a peripheral spoke, 232 in this example, and,consequently, to the entire group of conducting elements of the antenna110, through a power output cable 261.

The antenna of the present invention requires a smaller amount of landthan an antenna formed of a substantially straight single long wirestrand, or an “L” or “T” shaped antenna and further increases ionizationand power efficiency by reducing an attenuation factor known to reduceionization. Also, the present invention simplifies installation andmaintenance of the antenna due to the smaller distances involved.

EXAMPLES

An experiment was conducted by installing and operating an ionizationstation. The ionization station was operated in several modes: Positive(positive voltage), Negative (negative voltage) and Non Operational(zero voltage, the station was turned off). The goal of the experimentwas to determine what, if any, the effect or effects of the stationwould be on the surrounding atmosphere.

Equipment and Resources

Ionization Station

-   -   1. High Voltage, Direct Current Power Supplies. Two supplies        were used. The first was made by Matsusaka Corp. of Japan, Model        AU-120R10, with manually switchable polarity (positive or        negative), 0 to 120,000 volts, 0 to 10 miliamperes. The other        power supply was a Spellman High Voltage Electronics Corp. SL        80P150/230, positive polarity, 0 to 80,000 volts, 0 to 2        miliamperes.    -   2. Antenna. The configuration included a 120′ tall guyed central        tower (25 G) manufactured by Rohn Industries, Inc. designed per        EIA/TIA 22-f Standards. Ten 30′ tall aluminum flagpoles, bought        from American Flag Co, evenly spaced on a circle with a 45′        radius from the central tower, were used as peripheral posts.        All spokes were 0.024″ diameter stainless steel cable. The        central tower and all peripheral spokes had a winching mechanism        to allow easy installation and maintenance. Fiberglass bars        (later replaced by high dielectric strength rope) was used as        insulation.    -   3. Control Unit. The unit was manufactured by Comtrol, Inc.,        Model 6K Lite with modem.    -   4. Meteorological data was fed to the 6K-Lite control unit by a        commercially available combination thermometer, barometer,        anemometer, pluviometer and relative humidity meter.        Other Equipment and Resources    -   1. Current and archival (historical) weather information        including meteorological information, raw weather data and        forecasts, satellite imagery, radar imagery, etc., was obtained        from multiple websites maintained by the National Oceanic and        Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Center for        Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the University Corporation for        Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and several educational        institutions.    -   2. Real time atmospheric measurements were performed using a        modified Piper Comanche 260B configured to transport instruments        on both wingtips.    -   3. Two optical spectrometers manufactured by Grimm Technologies,        Inc., Models 1.107 and 1.109, were mounted in custom designed        housings that were attached to the Piper Comanche's wingtips.        Each spectrometer was equipped with an isokynetic air intake,        which was the only part that protruded from the instrument        housing, calibrated for the cruise speed of the Comanche, which        is 129 knots with the instruments mounted on its wingtips. The        spectrophotometers created an aerodynamic drag.        Flight Operations

The basic flight plan (Alpha) is shown in FIG. 3. The aircraft took offfrom its base, climbed to cruising altitude, typically 2,000 feet aboveground level (AGL) or 3,500 feet AGL, which were the flight altitudesmost used. It proceeded to Waypoint 1 and then proceeded to theionization station (Waypoint 2 and then to Waypoint 3. Most times, theplane changed altitude and retraces the route from WP 3 to WP 2 to WP 1and to base. A few flights had a variation where the airplane would takea course straight East to head for the coast and then return to base.This last variant was only to compare atmospheric conditions in the areof influence of ionization to the atmosphere at the coast. These flightpaths were called Bravo which had a flight altitude of 3,500′ aboveground and Charlie, with a flight altitude of 2,000 above ground. Theseflight plans are shown in FIG. 4.

The total distance between WP 1 and WP 3 is about 120 nautical miles (WP1 to WP2 is about 59 nautical miles and WP 2 to WP 3 is about 65nautical miles). In Bravo or Charlie flights, the distance to the coastis approximately 86 nautical miles.

Measurement Methodology

The objective of the measurement flight program was to determine whatinfluence, if any, the ionization station had on its surroundingatmosphere. The most useful approach to do this is to measure particlecounts and to see what patterns develop in terms of particle countsunder each operational state: positive, negative or non-operational(zero).

After the first flight it was obvious that we needed to rearrange thedata in order to make any sense. The spectrometers measure particlecounts in real time every 6 seconds, which means that a flight segment(WP1 to WP2 to WP3) will produce about 600 readouts. Furthermore, theyare recording data on 32 channels, one channel for each range ofparticle size. The overall size range measured by the spectrometers is0.25 μm (micrometers=10⁻⁶ meters) to 32 μm. The first two datarearrangements we made were to reduce the number of channels from 32 to4; in this fashion we only show ‘Small’ particles (0 to 0.28 μm),‘Medium’ particles (0.281 μm to 0.35 μm), ‘Large’ particles (0.351 μm to0.800 μm) and ‘Giant’ particles (0.801 μm to 32 μm). The secondrearrangement was that we divided each flight segment (i.e., WP1 to WP2to WP 3) into twelve flight zones, each about 10 nautical miles long andwe took the average reading of the spectrometer for each flight zones,reducing the data points from 600 for the entire segment to 12. Eachflight zone is identified in FIG. 3. In the case of Bravo and Charlieflights, we have the ubiquitous 12 flight zones plus another 7 in thetrack to the coast and an additional flight zone right along the coast.

In all cases, we attempted to wait enough time for the atmosphere to befully charged by the station (96 hours) or to discharge fully after thestation was shut down before we made a measurement flight. We also didnot make flights when there was cloud cover within 300 feet of theflight altitude.

The atmospheric and weather conditions for each measurement flight datewere analyzed to assure the validity of the data obtained. In all casessatellite images were used to determine optical depth, presence ofsulfates, dust and smoke and a backward wind trajectory report wasobtained for the approximate time of flight to determine wind directionand velocity at the time and altitude of the flight.

Measurement Results

The results were analyzed in terms of particle (aerosol) sizedistribution.

FIG. 5 depicts an Alpha flight pattern with the station having beenturned off for more than 4 days. (zero voltage). The ionization stationis represented by a small bar between flight zones 6 and 7. In generalterms the slope is negative, which means that the aerosol counts aremuch higher in Zone 1 than in Zone 12.

FIG. 6 depicts a Charlie flight pattern. This flight occurred only 1 dayafter the previous flight. Comparing flight zones 1 through 12 on thisflight, there is a great similarity with the previous flight results,namely, negative slope and much greater aerosol concentrations in zone 1as compared to zone 12. This slope continues as the aircraft turns Easttoward the coast and aerosol counts drop until the coast is reached.This is natural because maritime atmosphere is typically cleaner thancontinental atmosphere. The further away from the ocean, the greater theaerosol concentration.

FIG. 7 shows an Alpha pattern flight measuring aerosol counts when theionization station is producing negative voltage in a negative polaritymode of operation. FIG. 7 shows a totally different picture than theprevious two slides. It is clear that the slope is positive and theaerosol counts in zone 1 are much lower than the counts in zone 12.

FIG. 8 shows an Alpha pattern flight measuring aerosol counts when thestation is operating in positive polarity. The results are similar tothe negative polarity operation data shown on FIG. 7, however, thepositive slope in the current mode (positive) is slightly steeper thanthe negative polarity mode data.

FIG. 9 shows the data measured while the station was operating withpositive polarity. This chart clearly shows that on the coast, theaerosol counts are low. They gradually increase the more inland themeasurements are taken, until flight zone 11, where there is a verysignificant, sharp change in slope and the aerosol counts diminishthereafter until, at zone 1 they are even lower than at the coast. Thisis because the first zone to get measured is zone 1. Zone 20 does notget measured until about an hour and a half later and it is a widelyaccepted fact that the later in the morning, the higher the aerosolcounts due to inversion.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show the result of data collected from all flightsegments between waypoints 1 and 3, under non-operational mode (FIG.10A) and operational mode (FIG. 10B)—both for negative as well aspositive polarity. In order to obtain this figure it was necessary tonormalize the flight data, because open atmosphere variability producesoverall particle counts with a high degree of variability, with somedays exhibiting an average of 5,000 aerosols per liter and other daysrecording 200,000 aerosols per liter. Normalization is simply using themaximum reading obtained in the 12 flight zones and using that as areference 1, or 100%. All other readings are expressed as a fraction of1 or as a percentage. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B represent a total of 18segments, of which 4 were negative polarity, 6 were non operational and8 were positive polarity operation. It is readily apparent that with nooperation the slope is negative, while under operational conditions, theslope is positive and a steeper slope is observed for positive operationthan for negative. This means that positive operation is more efficientin reducing aerosol counts than negative operation. In positiveoperation, aerosols are catalyzed to grow and the increased massincreases their vertical velocity to ground due to gravitation. Nearground, positively charged aerosols are further attracted to ground(which has a negative charge) due to electrical attraction. Therefore,aerosol deposition to ground under the positive operational mode is theresult of adding electrical deposition to gravitational deposition. Inthe case of negative operation, total deposition is the result ofgravitational deposition less the electrical repulsion of negativeaerosol by the negatively charged ground.

In order to view the full impact of the capability of the ionizationstation to reduce the aerosol counts, FIG. 11 shows the curves depictedin FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, but we now normalized so that the value forZone 12 is the same for all three operational states: positive, negativeand zero. The curve for zero operation (non operational) shows that theaerosol counts go from an index of 1 in zone 12 and they graduallyincrease to approximately an index of 1.7. When the operational state isnegative, the zone 12 index of 1 decreases to about 0.5 and when thestation operates in positive mode the index in zone 1 decreases to about0.3. In other words, the station, operating in positive mode, decreaseswhat would be a normal index of 1.7 to 0.3, which means that it isreducing the aerosol count by a factor of almost 6 to less than 20%.This is equivalent to saying that the ionization station is removingaerosols from the atmosphere by deposing them to ground with anefficiency of over 80%. In negative mode, the efficiency drops to about70% due to Earth's electrical repulsion of negatively charged aerosols.

Although the subject invention has been described with respect topreferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatedthat changes or modifications thereto may be made without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the subject invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The entire contents of all patents, published patent applications, andother references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated hereinin their entireties by reference.

References

-   -   1. Vonnegut, et al, 1962: Artificial Modification of Atmospheric        Space Charge, J. of Geophys. Res., Vol 67, No 3, 1073    -   2. Svensmark, Friis-Christensen, 1997: Variation of Cosmic Ray        Flux and Global Cloud Coverage, J. Atm. Terr. Phys., 59,        1225-1240.    -   3. Carslaw, Harrison, Kirkby, 2002: Cosmic Rays, Clouds and        Climate, Science, 298, 1732-1737.    -   4. Marsden, Lingenfelter, 2003: Solar Activity and Cloud Opacity        Variations, J. Atm. Sci., 60, 626-636.    -   5. Harrison, R, G, 2001; Atmospheric Electricity and Cloud        Microphysics; Proceedings of the Workshop on Aerosol-Cloud        Interactions, CERN, Geneva, 14 pp.    -   6. Nadykto, Yu, 2003: Uptake of neutral vapor molecules by        charged clusters/particles: Enhancement due to dipole-charge        interaction, J. of Geophys. Res., 108, D23, 4717-4723.    -   7. Tinsley, Yu, 2002: Atmospheric Ionization and Clouds as Links        Between Solar Activity and Climate,

http://www.utdallas.edu/dept/physics/Facultv/tinsley/Atmos 060302.pdf

-   -   8. Yu, Turco 2001: From molecular clusters to nanoparticles, J.        Geophys. Res., 106, D5, 4797-481.    -   9. Harrison, Carslaw, 2003: Ion-Aerosol-Cloud Processes in the        Lower Atmosphere, Rev. of Geophys, 41, 3/1012-1038.    -   10. Paris, Laan, Valtna, 2002: Laser Ablation and Aerosol        Particles, Proc. Hakone VIII, 405-409, p. 7.3

1. A ground-based antenna for reducing the aerosol counts in theatmosphere at a distance from said antenna through electrification andionization of particulates in the atmosphere at a distance from saidantenna and deposition to ground of the ionized particulates, theantenna comprising: a plurality of peripheral nodes mounted onperipheral posts installed on foundations attached to the ground; acentral node located within the plurality of peripheral nodes, saidcentral node being mounted on a central tower attached to the ground,said central node having a greater height above the ground than saidperipheral nodes; a plurality of peripheral spokes for connecting eachof the peripheral nodes to adjacent peripheral nodes; a plurality ofradial spokes for connecting the peripheral nodes to the central node;and; a direct current, high voltage power supply associated with saidantenna provides the plurality of peripheral and radial spokes with theselected power signal to induce said antenna to ionize the atmospherethrough corona effect and reduce the aerosol counts through depositionto ground; wherein said central node and said peripheral nodes areelectrically isolated from the ground.
 2. The antenna of claim 1 whereinsaid antenna is capable of electrically charging the atmosphere forreducing the aerosol counts through deposition to ground, uponapplication of a selected, steady state power level having a voltagevalue of between about zero volts and about positive 500 kilovolts andbetween about zero volts and about negative 500 kilovolts and having acurrent value of between about zero and about five amps.
 3. The antennaof claim 1 wherein the central node comprises: a central base portion;and a central vertical member coupled to the base portion.
 4. Theantenna of claim 3 wherein the central vertical member includes amechanism for bringing the radial spokes connected to the central nodefrom a first position to a second position.
 5. The antenna of claim 1wherein each of the plurality of peripheral nodes comprises: aperipheral base portion; and a peripheral vertical member coupled to theperipheral base portion.
 6. The antenna of claim 5 wherein each of theperipheral vertical members includes a mechanism for bringing theperipheral spokes and the radial spokes connected to the peripheral nodefrom a first position to a second position.
 7. The antenna of claim 1wherein the radial spokes and the peripheral spokes are formed from amedium for conducting electricity.
 8. The antenna of claim 1 furthercomprises an isolator coupled to the central node and extending radiallyto electrically isolate the central node from each of the plurality ofradial spokes; and an isolator coupled to each of the peripheral nodesand extending radially to electrically isolate each of the peripheralnodes from each of the plurality of radial spokes and each of theplurality of peripheral spokes.
 9. A ground-based system forelectrically charging the atmosphere by corona effect ionization, thesystem comprising: a ground-based antenna having a polygon base portion;a direct current, high voltage power supply for providing electric powerto the antenna; a control unit for controlling the power source aplurality of peripheral nodes; a central node spaced apart from each ofthe plurality of peripheral nodes to form an inverted cone-like shape,similar in geometry to a circus tent; a plurality of peripheral spokesfor connecting each of the peripheral nodes to adjacent peripheralnodes; and a plurality of radial spokes for connecting the peripheralnodes to the central node, wherein the antenna radiates a corona effectelectric field to ionize the atmosphere at a distance from said antenna.10. The system of claim 9 wherein the control unit controls the powersupplied to the antenna from the power source in order to reduce theaerosol counts through deposition to ground.
 11. The system of claim 10wherein the control unit controls the power supplied to the antenna fromthe power supply in order to reduce the aerosol counts throughdeposition to ground.
 12. A method for reducing the number of aerosolsin a portion of the atmosphere at a distance from an antenna, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a ground-based antenna that includesa plurality of peripheral nodes, a plurality of peripheral spokes, aplurality of radial spokes, and a central node, said central node havinga greater height above the ground than said peripheral nodes; andapplying direct current electric power to the peripheral spokes and tothe radial spokes to ionize the atmosphere by corona effect; whereby thenumber of aerosols in said portion of the atmosphere at a distance fromsaid antenna is reduced.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprisingthe step of controlling the electric power applied to the plurality ofradial and peripheral spokes.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein thestep of applying electric power comprises the step of supplying theperipheral spokes, the radial spokes and the with a voltage that inducesa corona effect discharge on the peripheral and radial spokes.
 15. Themethod of claim 12 wherein the radial spokes are connected to thecentral node at one end and to the peripheral nodes at the other endthrough electrical isolators and the peripheral spokes are connected toeach neighboring peripheral node through electrical isolators.
 16. Themethod of claim 13 wherein the step of controlling comprises the step ofsupplying one of a positive or a negative voltage to ionize theatmosphere by corona effect in order to reduce the aerosol countsthrough deposition to ground.